Spotlight Stories
Jan 20, 2026
Transforming Specialized Research into Medical Device Innovation
Zhengxuan Wei, PhD ’26, mechanical engineering, creates insightful medical innovations and protocols at Fresenius Medical Care through his placement from the LEADERs program.
Jan 20, 2026
From Hanoi to Boston: Toan Gian and AI Innovations
Toan Gian, PhD ’29, electrical and computer engineering, completed his bachelor’s in electrical and electronics engineering at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, then came straight to Northeastern to pursue his PhD. His academic journey continues to evolve while researching AI innovations at Mentis Lab at Northeastern.
Jan 16, 2026
Mrudul Satbhai on Finding your Academic Niche
Mrudul Satbhai, MS ’25, advanced and intelligent engineering, completed his bachelors in India and came to Northeastern to pursue his interests in smart manufacturing. Among impressive research, co-ops, clubs, and a community of mentors and peers, Satbhai possesses a variety of successful projects and valuable skills that have set him up for success in the work force.
Jan 13, 2026
Two ChE PhD Students Win Big at Competition
Qudus Rafiu, PhD’28, and Lawrence Ajayi, PhD’27, chemical engineering, attended the same undergraduate university but did not meet until they happened to join the same lab during Lawrence’s master’s at Ohio University. Since then, they have become close friends and have worked together in research and studies. Recently, their teamwork helped them win the second-place prize in the NPG x Liberty Mutual Business Case Competition.
Jan 13, 2026
From Ghana to Global Science: Harry Akligoh’s journey through innovation, dual degrees, and cross-continental research
Harry Akligoh, PhD’28, bioengineering, participating in Northeastern’s Global Dual PhD program, uses an innovation mindset to create new techniques for studying the connection between cancer treatments and cardiovascular problems through the Northeastern College of Engineering and the Université Paris-Saclay.
Dec 18, 2025
Robust Navigation and Sensing Technologies for Enhanced Situational Awareness
Helena Calatrava, PhD’28, electrical engineering, has dedicated much of her time and research to investigating ways to mitigate the challenges that threaten situational awareness in air and ground autonomous systems. She aims to strengthen core technologies behind reliable detection and tracking. As adversarial threats evolve, she remains committed to building more resilient next-generation navigation and sensing systems.
Dec 17, 2025
Designing the Future of Aerospace Engineering
Khushi Shah, E’25 and MS’26, mechanical engineering, realized her love for designing and building in high school. Since studying at Northeastern, she has been able to fuel her passions with two amazing co-op experiences in the aerospace industry and a life-changing study abroad trip to Panama.
Dec 17, 2025
Improving Telecommunications for a Better Future
For his master’s thesis, Matteo Bordin, PhD’27, computer engineering, researched telecommunications and 5G networks. Closer examination within this field inspired Bordin to pursue a PhD, as well, where he hopes to develop inventive and impactful research projects that offer promise for a better future.